Posterior shoulder dislocation

Case contributed by Andrew Murphy , 12 Jul 2016
Diagnosis certain
Changed by Andrew Dixon, 7 Dec 2016

Updates to Study Attributes

Findings was changed:

PosteriorOn the AP projection the humeral head has the classic light bulb appearance of posterior shoulder dislocation with no evidence. This appearance occurs because of a fracture,internal rotation of the humeral head accompanying the dislocation. The lateral view in this case is sub-optimal lateral viewbut does confirm the dislocation. No fracture seen

Updates to Case Attributes

Body was changed:

Posterior dislocations are rare and occur in 2 to 4% of shoulder dislocations; the humeral head is displaced posteriorly due to axial loading of the adducted, internally rotated arm. Often this injury will happen during violent muscular contractions, electric shock, or convulsive seizures. 86% of posterior dislocations will have impacted fractures of the anteromedial portion of the humeral head, otherwise known as a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion 1-3.

Unlike anterior dislocation which are usually easily identified on an AP projection, posterior shoulder dislocations can be difficult to identify without further views. 

  • -<p>Posterior dislocations are rare and occur in 2 to 4% of shoulder dislocations; the humeral head is displaced posteriorly due to axial loading of the adducted, internally rotated arm. Often this injury will happen during violent muscular contractions, electric shock, or convulsive seizures. 86% of posterior dislocations will have impacted fractures of the anteromedial portion of the humeral head, otherwise known as a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion <sup>1-3</sup>.</p><p> </p>
  • +<p>Posterior dislocations are rare and occur in 2 to 4% of shoulder dislocations; the humeral head is displaced posteriorly due to axial loading of the adducted, internally rotated arm. Often this injury will happen during violent muscular contractions, electric shock, or convulsive seizures. 86% of posterior dislocations will have impacted fractures of the anteromedial portion of the humeral head, otherwise known as a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion <sup>1-3</sup>.</p><p>Unlike anterior dislocation which are usually easily identified on an AP projection, posterior shoulder dislocations can be difficult to identify without further views. </p><p> </p>

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